What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
regretted
Example
She regretted not studying harder for the exam. [regretted: past tense]
Example
He regretted his decision to quit his job without having another one lined up. [regretted: verb]
penitent
Example
The thief appeared penitent and asked for forgiveness. [penitent: adjective]
Example
She was penitent for her harsh words and apologized to her friend. [penitent: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Regretted is more commonly used than penitent in everyday language. Regretted is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while penitent is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between regretted and penitent?
Penitent is more formal than regretted and is often used in religious or legal contexts. Regretted is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
